Best Wi-Fi Router for $250?

LR-Man on 04/10/2018 - 17:47
Last edited 04/10/2018 - 18:04 by 1 other user

Hi Ozb,

Not happy with our current Wi-fi router/gateway which was provided by Optus (Netgear CG3000v2). The signal isn't strong enough and furthermore it's also started playing up - periods where internet doesn't work despite HFC NTD showing 4 solid green lights and multiple reboots don't help.

Looking for recommendations please.

We're happy to spend up to $250 if the new router will have:

  • Strong signal coverage over 200m² ground floor
  • Dual Band 5ghz
  • WAN port for nbn
  • Preferably user-friendly port forwarding and uPnP settings :)
  • Preferably gigabit LAN port

So far I've had a look at ASUS RT-AC68U with the assumption that ASUS is a good brand and the multiple antennas will help. Let me know if I'm wrong!

Thanks guys

Computing Wireless Router

Comments

  • thatonethere on 04/10/2018 - 17:52
    +1

    The Asus is good

  • HighAndDry on 04/10/2018 - 18:00

    The ASUS is good, but for 200m2… how far away is the furthest point from the router? And how many walls between? It might be you could only get solid connectivity throughout by using some kind of Mesh network.

  • ImportantCustomer on 04/10/2018 - 18:06
    +4

    The best router for $250 isn't a single device:

    For $250, get a Ubiquiti AC Lite:
    $119 https://www.umart.com.au/Ubiquiti-UniFi-AP-AC-Lite-802-11ac-…
    and
    Buy a new router up to $131 or just re-use your old router with the wifi turned off

    If you want to spend more, there are more options in the ubiquiti range.

    • alvian on 05/10/2018 - 07:14
      +1

      For routing use a surplus PC, install an additional Ethernet adapter, and install opnsense or pfsense. Add a x-port switch with x being as many as you need. Now you are approaching enterprise grade networking for cheap.

    • KnifeEnthusiastBoi on 25/11/2018 - 11:23

      Go for a Pro. It’s worth it

  • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2018 - 18:14

    I have 3x Ubiquiti In-Wall Pro WiFi APs at my house in Melbourne

    https://inwall.ubnt.com/

    At my place in KL, I have 1x In-Wall Pro and an AC-PRO as linked above.

    • PVA on 14/10/2018 - 12:54

      So that would be all under $250?

      • [Deactivated] on 14/10/2018 - 15:05

        Depends how big a discount you can get.

  • Diji1 on 04/10/2018 - 18:43
    +1

    So far I've had a look at ASUS RT-AC68U

    For $250 I'd be looking at the RT-AC86U, RT-AC68U is much cheaper but slower with half the RAM and 1Ghz vs 1.8GHz dual core processor.

  • jace88 on 04/10/2018 - 19:36

    Would you consider mesh wifi? I didn't believe it but am now a happy Google Wifi customer. Sure it's less flexible than my old DD-WRT but, it just works.

    • entropysbane on 04/10/2018 - 20:32

      I think this might fit the bill as a mesh router for the price. Better range than the google wifi, triband, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, but not the fastest version of the orbi. $280 RRP, $219 futuonline less 20% with PFUTU20 drops to $175.20

      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Netgear-Orbi-RBK30-Tri-Band-Wire…

      Have a few drinks with the savings.

      • PVA on 14/10/2018 - 12:57

        Any such thing that also has a USB port for a hard drive to be connected (or is there such a thing as a eth to USB adapter?)

    • Agret on 04/10/2018 - 23:53

      Google Wifi is one of the worst mesh networking in terms of performance/range in the reviews I've read of it, better to go with another brand but mesh networking is a good suggestion for hard to cover homes.

      • jace88 on 05/10/2018 - 23:36

        I read that too but then it comes in a 3 pack and is damn easy to setup/monitor/control. Also seems to have regular fw updates.

      • entropysbane on 06/10/2018 - 15:05

        Sure, google wifi is a fine device. The orbi is a bit better though.

  • Hessian Sack on 04/10/2018 - 21:03

    Multiple access points sounds like the way to go.

    If you can run cables to them, then multiple Ubiquiti AC Lites is a good option (that's what I've got running, and it's great).

    If you can't run cables to them, then mesh should be a good option https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking…

  • EndM11 on 04/10/2018 - 21:16
    +1

    Why not spend $150 on it and save the money? Bit overkill?

  • Vortex99 on 04/10/2018 - 22:06
    +1

    FRITZ!Box 7490. 5 year warranty! Umart link

  • the Unforgiven on 05/10/2018 - 09:49

    I have this little white cube, it is the best :)

    https://www.pccasegear.com/products/37432/ubiquiti-amplifi-h…

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